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Technical Bulletin Update: Subjects: Use Rates, Finger Meters, Vac & CCS-Center fill, and Talc/Graphite Applicators

Posted on Sep 15, 2020

Observations & insights regarding the use of DUST from farmers planting experiences:

We have many reports of success in the field, with many “calls of thanks” from farmers regarding how well the product is working for them. Please take a moment to review the following information regarding additional insights for the use of DUST as you go to the field.

Use rates

For guidance:

One (1) Red Scoop (provided in bucket) of DUST by volume measurement – is approximately one (1.0) oz of dry weight DUST material – (depending on how you “scoop the material”.)

Note: The density of DUST is less than Talc and Graphite.

  1. With Vac Planters, start with 1 red scoop (1 oz) per unit of seed (Corn). With soybeans, it may take a use rate of 1 oz per unit of seed – more or less.
  2. If you need to work the rate higher or lower, adjust at your discretion to get the desired results of even seed flow.
  3. Especially, when using DUST with Central-fill planters (CCS) start with a lower rate in the beginning. Start with around 1 oz. per unit of seed for first fill of seed. (This amount of material is much less than normally used for Talc.)
    1. The key is to watch the singulation and flowability of seed. “Less” DUST can be better than “More”.
    2. Please keep in mind that DUST will “clean out” current Talc/Graphite material that is in the system, so there may initially be “excess of lubricant in the system”.

You may find that you can use a higher or lower rate after the first seed fill or two in the planter – please watch your monitor/seed flow for results and adjust accordingly.

Non-CCS planters can use:

*Approximately 1 oz or more of DUST as needed for coverage and flow-ability.

  1. Please use your discretion/judgement to arrive at the proper rate for your given planter, seed treatment, seed size, and humidity – just as you have learned over time in using the current Talc/Graphite products.

Finger meters:

DUST works in finger meters.

  • The use rate is variable due to conditions such as seed size, seed treatment, etc.
    1. You can start with a low rate such as 1 oz to 1.5 oz per unit of seed. In some conditions farmers are able to use a higher rate. In some cases you may find you can use a lower rate. However, be conservative on amount. If there is an issue that arises, it might be that the use rate is too high. Adjust rate as needed for your conditions.
    2. Recall that in finger meters a low rate of lubricant material is needed to make them work correctly. While there are exceptions, many new seed treatments have improvements that are easier for finger meters today versus 5 to 10 years ago.

Bean Brush Type Meters

Bean Brush meters will need a very low use rate – generally 1oz. per unit of seed or less.

  • Seed Lubricant Applicators/Talc & Graphite Applicators

Many farmers use Talc and Graphite applicators. There are numerous models on the market with different configurations.

With regards to the applicators, many/most are working very well with DUST. With certain models or types of applicators a specific farmer may experience “flowability” concerns.

*It is highly recommended to take some time to learn how the DUST product works in your specific applicator before going to the field.

If you have questions about a certain model, please check with your dealer for insight. Also check with the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s website for any testing or insight they may provide on this subject. With regards to certain observations on specific applicators, at this time, the following are some insights.

  1. CT Applicator: See the company website for recs on which screen to remove/use. CT has tested DUST and offered a recommendation that works well.
  2. Unverferth/Parker: Work well when the auger comes close to the end of the black pvc discharge tube. Unverferth has a special Lubricant Flow-ability Kit that modifies the “spout” that improves the performance. It is recommended to install this kit. (Call your dealer to learn more if needed.)
  3. Hitchdoc: DUST has been found to work in some models. There have been some field reports with some situations/models that could become problematic for flowability. “Work-arounds” are in process for updates. Check with your dealer for any insights.
  4. Enviropac: This applicator is working in many situations. Enviropac has developed a Dust Kit to insert in canister to improve flowability. It is a $50 kit. Please call Dennis at Enviropac to order. See their website.
  5. Lundell Plastics: This applicator works very well. Lundell has developed an updated agitator design to insert in the canister. Call Lundell or check with your dealer to order and install.
  6. Low Mu Tech is in contact with various talc and graphite applicator manufacturers in order to assist with insight and work with them to provide working solutions for farmers using DUST in those applicators.

DUST: An analogy

Consider that DUST works much like “ethanol going through a gas engine” the first time. It can clean a lot of residual talc and graphite out in the beginning passes around the field when you initially switch to DUST.

  • Please note: There may be fluctuations of readings on the seed monitor when switching from the current materials being used – over to DUST. After a short period of time planting – as the current material is “cleaned out” and DUST becomes the “un-mixed” product working to provide the lubricant and flow agent – you will see the monitor results return to normal readings and more stable readings.

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